Tunisia Repatriates 10,000 Migrants Amid EU Pressure to Curb Crossings

Tunisia has repatriated about 10,000 irregular migrants this year, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, through a voluntary program coordinated with the IOM. Authorities stressed that Tunisia will not serve as a transit route to Europe. Despite these efforts, thousands remain stranded in southern towns, living in makeshift camps after being blocked from sea crossings.

Tunisia has repatriated approximately 10,000 irregular migrants so far this year, primarily from sub-Saharan Africa, as the country comes under increasing pressure from the European Union to limit migrant crossings to Europe. Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti announced the figures on Tuesday, November 4, noting that the returns were carried out through a voluntary program coordinated with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Weekly flights have been organized to facilitate the safe return of migrants to their home countries, ensuring that the process is orderly and humane.

Nafti emphasized that Tunisia will not serve as a transit route for migrants seeking to reach Europe, underlining the government’s commitment to managing migration flows in accordance with national and international regulations. In 2024, around 7,200 migrants were repatriated under the same program, and authorities plan to continue the initiative until irregular migration is significantly reduced. The government’s efforts aim to balance humanitarian considerations with the need to maintain border security and comply with regional agreements on migration.

Despite these repatriation efforts, thousands of migrants remain stranded in southern Tunisian towns such as Amra and Jbeniana. Many live in makeshift camps under challenging conditions after being blocked from attempting dangerous sea crossings to Europe. The increase in maritime security measures has led to a sharp decline in the number of migrants successfully reaching European shores this year, but the humanitarian situation for those remaining in Tunisia remains precarious.

Authorities and international organizations continue to monitor the situation closely, providing assistance where possible to address the needs of stranded migrants. The government has stressed that its approach is focused on safe and voluntary returns, while also seeking to prevent Tunisia from being used as a launch point for irregular migration into Europe. As migration pressures persist, Tunisia is working to manage the flow of people while addressing both security concerns and humanitarian obligations.